Centre helped Himachal grow: PM

While claiming that despite providing huge amounts by the Congress-led UPA,the BJP government could not utilise these in full,and several grants had lapsed,he said: “MNREGA funds have remained unutilised,as only 56 per cent of the money has been used in the last five years. Moreover,out of Rs 142 crore sanctioned for National Rural Health Scheme,only Rs 8 crore was used.”

“Himachal comes in the list of progressing states,but it could have become an ideal state if the entire amount provided by the Centre was utilised properly,” he added.

He also claimed that since 2007,Himachal’s standards in primary and upper primary education had deteriorated as out of 5,800 permitted school teachers by the Centre,the Himachal government could appoint only 4,100.

Singh claimed that whatever development took place in the state has been due to the Centre’s efforts. “I have no hesitation in saying that whatever development has taken place in the last eight years,it is only because of the policies of the UPA government at the Centre,” Singh said.

Observing that the situation has changed for the worse in the state since 1997,he said: “Himachal Pradesh again needs a new direction for development. I believe only Congress can do this. Congress party both in the state and at the Centre has always worked for the benefit of the people of Himachal Pradesh.”

Pointing out that the hill state lacks resources and the Centre has been trying to chip in to deal with this,Singh said: “In the last three years,we have increased central assistance by 30 per cent. We are also giving special assistance to Himachal Pradesh and in the last three years the assistance has gone up from Rs 200 crore to Rs 900 crore.”

He added: “The Centre has provided Rs 1,200 crore to the state for its five power projects; Kangra,Kullu and Shimla airports have been upgraded; an IIT has started operations in Mandi and a central university has opened in Dharamsala. We have given funds to construct roads under the Bharat Nirman Yojna.”

The PM maintained that the Centre has also made special provisions for Himachal in areas of agriculture and irrigation. “I have full faith that when you all exercise your franchise on November 4,you will consider which party wishes for your development and happiness… You people will keep in mind the party which has a better record… If you vote for the Congress,then Congress will give you clean administration,” he said.

With pti inputs